Recently at church we were asked a question. “What one spiritual fruit do you most need to grow in your life?” (See 2 Peter 1 and Galatians 6 for examples of fruits of the Spirit.)
My current answer, easily, is faith.
Since the beginning of last year (and even more so this year), I’ve been learning how to let go of absolute certainty and total control in my life. Instead, I am trying to entrust more into God’s hands.
At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s not an easy task.
Letting go of being able to control every possible outcome. (Not just for me, but for my family!)
Letting go of knowing every single detail before moving forward.
Letting go of my anxiety of the unknown and trusting the God who not only has control of circumstances I don’t, but also cares so much for me that he works for my good.
Sometimes, though, I need a reminder about who God is, and why I can take confidence in him.
He’s not casual. He didn’t just create us, and then leave us to our own devices, looking in every now and then as if checking the score of a basketball game.
He’s not emotionless. It’s not about just arranging events for God – he feels what we feel and goes through our pain with us, even though he knows the true outcome.
He doesn’t see us as a chore. He passionately and fiercely fights for us, protects us, defends us.
So as I fight to surrender control and certainty, I do not need to fear that I am entrusting my hopes, my future, and my heart to a God who could care less. And neither do you.
Here are some verses that tell you how God is for you, and why you can depend on him.
(Thank you to those of you who have shared scriptures with me on this topic – you know who you are!)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. – Psalm 18:2-3
Be sure to read the whole psalm, though. This is just the beginning. Verses 6-19 almost describes God as an avenging superhero who lets nothing threaten us.
Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. – Psalm 31:23-24
Again, read the whole Psalm. It speaks the depth of our fears and despairs, and how he lifts us from them and treats us with abundant goodness.
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. – Psalm 3:3-4
The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. – Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14
When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 118:5-6
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. – Psalm 34:4-5
I bet you know what I’m going to say – read the whole psalm. This is one I go to again and again when fear and anxiety threaten to overwhelm. (These verses on overthinking are also go-tos for me.)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. – Psalm 147:3-6
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. – Isaiah 49:16
The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. – Isaiah 32:16-18
***
There are definitely way more than these. The Psalms are a great place to start, if you want to see God’s nature clearly as David, the man after God’s own heart.
I hope you leave encouraged about how God fights for you, protects you, defends you. Looking for more? Check out 10 Bible Verses for Facing the Unknown, and How God Answers Our Fears.
So now you – what are some verses about God’s character and how he fights for us that you love?
Scriptures via Bible Gateway. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Photo Credit:
1 – lucas wesney on Unsplash
2 – via Unsplash
Casey says
Thanks for putting all these in one place Jenn! Super helpful!
whatyoumakeit says
So glad to hear that! Thanks for checking it out, Casey 🙂
Thank you for putting together these wonderful Bible verses reminding us that Our Hod is always for us.
I just wish you has fixed it so I could copy them and keep them.
Hi Reba! Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I’m working on some free printables to include in the post with the scriptures, but I’m happy to email these to you, if you would like! Let me know in a response to this comment 🙂
Psalms 91:4
Our God is tender and when we allow Him to cover us with His wing we find great peace.
This site gave me comfort after receiving disappointing news. It helped me focus my attention back to God and reminding me that he is for us!
Thank you!
Beautiful verse. I’m so glad you found this post, Lora, and hope you are encouraged! Sending a prayer for your disappointing news today <3